Popular Tiara Styles 4033 views

Choosing a tiara is not as straightforward as it looks. With countless different types available, each worn in different ways and with different hairstyles, it can be hard to know where to begin. As a starting point, Emma Hughes of Princess Poppy Tiaras provides a useful overview of the five most popular styles.

1. Front-sitting tiaras are designed to sit horizontally on the front of your head, often directly behind the hairline or fringe. Usually traditional in design, they are suited to most hairstyles, and lend themselves to the classic bridal image of a tiara with a veil worn over the face.

Front-sitting tiaras can be in a variety of styles, from the modern wishbone-shaped Hollywood tiara to the classic sparkle of the Glamour tiara.

2. Crowns and coronets are perfect for fairytale-themed weddings. They can be worn either high on the head as a full-crown style, or around a high hairstyle or loose bun as a half-crown style. Full crowns can be quite difficult to wear and need grips and pins to hold them in place, but the effort is worth it for the amazing effect. Half-crown designs are lighter and easier to secure. These styles do not allow a veil to be worn over the face; it is more usual to pin veils behind the crowns at the base of the hairstyle.

Half-crown designs like the Dreamer are very popular for small bridesmaids and can be teamed with wands and even wings for a pretty fairy-style look!

3. Alice bands are a versatile option for brides and bridesmaids alike. Easy to wear, they lend themselves to most hairstyles, from the sweeping up-do to long flowing locks. Classic designs like the pretty Jasmine band suit teeny and adult bridesmaids alike, while more complex designs like the Vine are fantastic for a bride who wants a clean, understated look without compromising on sparkle! They can be worn with a veil either over the face or at the back of the head.

4. Side tiaras are becoming more and more popular and next wedding season will see a lot of brides wearing alternatives to the traditional tiara. These can take the form of a flurry of feathers, or a side spray of crystals for a pretty yet different bridal look. From small, sparkly details to the grandest of designs, these styles look fantastic with hair that is worn down, and are a great option for brides with short, modern hairstyles. A low-sitting veil could be attached at the back of the head if desired, but a front veil over your face will sit unevenly with this style of tiara and is probably best avoided.

5. Bun-wrap tiaras should be a close fit to the hairstyle they encircle, whether it’s a high up-do or a bun. With these designs, veils are usually worn underneath the hairstyle and, as with the side tiara, might prove difficult to bring forward over your face. These tiaras can be made a little taller than the norm as they are often used to frame a hairstyle. If designed for a low bun, a full-circle style is often used. By contrast, a half-circle piece often fits the bill for use with a higher hairstyle. It’s worth noting that most traditional front-sitting tiaras can be adapted to wear as a bun-wrap style.

Whichever style you choose, it’s a good idea to have your tiara available for any hair trials you might have booked, to work out the best way of fixing it. Many tiaras need no grips if they are formed on a flexible band but, depending on your choice of design and your hairstyle, pin loops can often be incorporated into the design for ease of fixing.

Princess Poppy Tiaras specialise in beautiful tiaras and accessories, handmade to order.

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